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Linde Werdelin unveils the SpidoLite Titanium and SpidoLite Gold

foversta
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The SpidoLite is maybe my fav watch in the Linde Werdelin collection because, in my point of view, it is the best symbol of the aesthetic approach of the famous duo. The SpidoLite can be easily recognized thanks to its hollowed bezel and its openwork style whose purpose is to make the watch as lighter as possible. Ready to host the Rock and the Reef, the two additional modules dedicated to off-piste skiing or to scuba diving, the SpidoLite celebrates now its fourth generation making it the proof of the successful history of the brand.

The two new watches, the SpidoLite Titanium and the SpidoLite Gold are more than new versions of existing models. Offered in the context of limited editions of 75 pieces each, they go even further in the openwork concept by proposing a "skeletonized" dial which unveils for the first time a power reserve indicator.

In order to make it perfectly integrated into the dial design, Linde Werdelin took the decision to not use any hand, any display. The power reserve can be read thanks to the direct view on the mainspring. When the movement is close to the end of the power reserve, the spring is loose. When the movement is fully wound, the spring is tight. And don't expect to lose time in searching where to look at! Just find the single red triangle and here it is, it points to the open spring barrel cover.

The danger with this kind of watch is the legibility because the contrast between the hands and a rather busy background is generally low. It is not the case here and I found the legibility of both watches sufficient, especially with the Titanium version thanks to its blued hands. Moreover, the peripheral scale has been preserved.

The lay-out of the open dial works well with the SpidoLite case and I could also appreciate a feeling of depth due to the high flange. Both watches  embody a contemporary design enhanced by the segments which draw  links between the base of the hands and the peripheral scale.

As usual with Linde Werdelin, the central second hand is rather wide to be in harmony with the two main hands and the powerful and rather bulky style.

Because you don't have to forget that the SpidoLite case is impressive with 44mm x 46mm x 15mm dimensions. We are touching here the main point of interest of the SpidoLite: the paradox between this size, this diameter and the feeling of lightness when put on the wrist. Thanks to their efficient straps (especially the rubber one), the watches remain very stable on the wrist what improves the comfort even when they bear the modules. There is one issue, at least for me: the crown protector makes the handling of the crown quite uncomfortable for my fingers.

The movement which powers these SpidoLite is the LW07. It is, in my understanding, a Concepto base which was modified by Linde Werdelin in partnership with Chronode, the company of Jean-François Mojon. The frequency of the movement is 4hz and its power reserve 42 hours. I would have preferred a larger power reserve even if the winding efficiency is fine.

I was seduced by this two watches, especially by the Pink Gold version because the colour of the material highlights the complex design of the case.

Please note that they are currently available, till the 26th of March, only at the Chronopassion boutique in Paris.

Let's browse some pics of the two watches.


The SpidoLite Titanium and its blued hands:

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Despite its large size, the watch is comfortable on the wrist:

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The solid caseback:

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Close-up of the SpidoLite Gold and its black ceramic bezel. I love the contrast between the pink gold and the black ceramic.

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Do you spot the red triangle?

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The caseback is made of Black-DLC trated titanium:

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This version is obviously more refined and classy than the Titanium one. I like the hands finishings:

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Close-up of the Titanium version:

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SpidoLite Gold specs:

Limited to 75 individually numbered pieces worldwide

Case

18K rose gold (5N); satin and microbillé finishing / Sapphire crystal, anti-reflective on the inside / Crown: Titanium; rough circular satin; engraved with a spider icon // Bezel: Black ceramic; satin on top surface; polished facet; microbillé in grooves // Back Case: Black DLC-treated Titanium; Eight hexakey titanium screws; Laser engraved limited edition number from 1 to 75, LW and SpidoLite logos; filled with rose gold (5N)

Dimensions

44mm (w) x 46mm (l) x 15mm (h)

Movement

LW07, movement skeletonised and customised by Linde Werdelin / 42 hours power reserve / Balance frequency: 28,800vph (4Hz) / Jewels: 20 / Movement plate: titanium colour; microbillé

Dial

Skeletonised dial / Réhaut and dial: titanium colour, black circular satin finish / Hands: rose gold (5N); satin on top surface; cool grey Luminova / Cool grey hour indexes; Rose Gold (5N) minute indexes / Logotype printed in cool grey / Bridge: Rose gold (5N), satin direction 9-3; logo and “07” printed in black // Power Reserve Indicator: barrel cover: rose gold (5N), circular satin with Trigon pattern

Water Resistance

100m

Strap

Textured calfskin strap with titanium buckle, interchangeable within Linde Werdelin’s proprietary strap system


SpidoLite Titanium specs:

Limited to 75 individually numbered pieces worldwide

Case

Titanium Grade 5; satin, microbillé and polished finishing / Sapphire crystal, anti-reflective on the inside / Crown: Titanium Grade 5; rough circular satin; engraved with a spider icon // Bezel: Titanium Grade 5; satin on top surface; polished facet; microbillé in grooves // Back Case: Titanium Grade 5, circular satin; Eight hexakey titanium screws; Limited edition number laser engraved from 1 to 75; Laser engraved with LW and SpidoLite logos

Dimensions

44mm (w) x 46mm (l) x 15mm (h)

Movement

LW07, movement skeletonised and customised by Linde Werdelin / 42 hours power reserve / Balance frequency: 28,800vph (4Hz) / Jewels: 20 / Movement plate: rhodium; microbillé

Dial

Skeletonised dial / Réhaut and dial: titanium colour, circular satin finish / Hands blued by heat treatment; polished; cool grey Luminova / Cool grey hour and minute indexes / Logotype printed in black / Bridge: Rhodium, satin direction 9-3; logo and “07” printed in black // Power Reserve Indicator: barrel cover: rhodium, circular satin with Trigon pattern

Water Resistance

100m

Strap

Interchangeable premium natural rubber strap in cool grey, with titanium buckle


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Fr.Xavier

This message has been edited by foversta on 2015-03-16 15:34:59

Comments:
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れい March 16th, 2015-20:45
Linde Werdelin has some very nice watches I got one myself (spidolite II tech green), my only complain is service center or ADs who can take care of our complains are nowhere near. They need to strengthen their presence, both retail as well as service, if they wish to be a brand for anyone to con... 
Goldenlutin March 17th, 2015-15:44
Any pictures of the back of the movement? From the dial side it pretty much looks like a skeletonized SW300 /ETA 2892-A2. Some typical elements from the ETA 2892-A2 movement are difficult to hide :)
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Ornatus-Mundi
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Swatch co-inventor Elmar Mock: watch industry headed towards ice-age thanks to Apple Watch

Ornatus-Mundi
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According to a (very informative and well written) report published today at bloomberg.com , Elmar Mock , co-inventor of the Swatch and one of the most important figure in the Swiss watch industry (and Prix-Gaia laureate), offered dire outlook on the Swiss watch industry amidst the imminent launch of the Apple Watch . The reason according to Mr Mock: arrogance ! According to the keynote presentation of Tim Cook on Monday, the Apple Watch will come in three version, covering three important price brackets (and thus market ranges): - Apple Watch Sport (aluminium) starts at $349 - Apple Watch (stainless steel) just over $1,000 - Apple Watch Edition (18 ct. gold) begin at $10,000 While the latter being a special piece to be sold in a very limited quantities, the remaining volume models occupy a niche where over 90% of the Swiss watch production (in terms of volume) resp. 40 % of the value is sold.


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